Best Crafts For Kids 2012

Best of 2012: Our 12 Favorite Kids Crafts of the Year

The parents of aspiring artists and crafty kids are always on the lookout for fun projects to keep their lil ones entertained, and if the output is something that they can proudly display, then that's even better! Here at LilSugar, we featured tons of arts and crafts projects throughout the course of the year — some were holiday-centric, some seasonal, and others were good for any old day. Here, check out our 12 favorite kids crafts of 2012 — what better way to keep your brood busy over Winter break?!

For Beating the Postvacation Blues: Memory Jars

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

Nobody likes to say goodbye to their vacation, but there's an easy way to extend the joy of the trip. Whether created on a rainy day during the trip or once you're home, these vacation memory jars help lil ones retain their favorite artifacts from their time away from home. Best of all, they can easily be transported to school for the obligatory "what did you do on Summer vacation or Winter break?" discussion.

Have you heard about the National PTA and Connecticut PTSA's initiative to have snowflakes from around the country sent to Sandy Hook Elementary School? Kids and adults alike are encouraged to make the most creative snowflakes they can and send them to Newtown, CT, to be used in decorating the kids' new school. A great activity for even the youngest tots over their Winter break (you don't even have to explain why they are being sent there if your tots are too young to understand), snowflake creations can be sent to: Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514

These pretty flakes came from blogger Hayley at Life Is Sweet. She shares folding techniques for creating three different snowflake designs — the results look much more intricate than they actually are!

For more DIY menorah ideas, check out our suggestions from Jodi Levine of Martha Stewart Living.

For Any Time of Year: A Washi Tape Village

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

This adorable little village of paper-and-washi-tape houses is inspired by a book titled Mon Village by Delphine Doreau. The beauty of the project is that kids can keep adding to the town as they acquire new tape.

Kids love squishing and exploring with play dough, and this homemade salt dough is even cooler because you can let it dry and then paint it. Follow the simple directions for making these beautiful Fall leaf salt dough prints that make lovely paperweights or table decorations.